September 30 - This day in Petty history - part 1

Greetings from the camp area number 9 at Dover International Speedway. The Schaefer Hall of Fame and Ring of Honor are well represented. Details to follow soon.

1962 - Richard Petty wins his 13th career race by leading exactly half - 160 laps - of the Wilkes 320 at North Wilkesboro. Teammate Jim Paschal finishes 5th in a second Petty Enterprises #41 Plymouth.

According to Greg Fielden's Forty Years of Stock Car Racing - Volume 2, Petty spun on lap 18 but recovered to lead half the race. Perhaps more embarrassing than Petty's spin was the performance of Fireball Roberts. Again according to Fielden, the track recognized Roberts and his career in pre-race activities, but ... he blew a head gasket, was one of the first cars out of the race, and finished 29th in a 31-car field. DOH!

Green flag! Green flag!

Photo and article courtesy of Jerry Bushmire

TMC